Telemachus ontdekt Philocles in een grot

About this artwork

ets

Art Historical Context

This delicate etching by Dutch artist Simon Fokke captures a dramatic moment from classical literature: Telemachus discovering Philocles hidden within a cave. Created in 1775, the scene draws from the popular 18th-century novel *Les Aventures de Télémaque* by François Fénelon, which reimagines the son of Odysseus on a moral and adventurous journey. Fokke, known for his work as an engraver and illustrator, brings this literary episode to life through precise linework typical of the period’s print culture. Measuring just 143 by 92 millimeters, the small scale suggests the work was likely intended as a book illustration, allowing readers to visualize key narrative moments. Etching, the medium employed here, was prized in the 18th century for its ability to render fine textures and atmospheric depth, making it ideal for intimate, story-driven subjects. Fokke’s composition invites viewers to imagine the tension and discovery unfolding in the shadowy grotto. As a product of the Enlightenment era, this print reflects the era’s fascination with classical themes and moral tales, circulating widely through printed books to educate and entertain a growing reading public.

About the Artist

Simon Fokke · 1712–1784

Comment on works: Draugstman; Portrait